Feeding 4000 #
Mark 8:1-9
Introduction
There are two separate miracles, the Feeding of the 5000 takes place on the west side of the Sea of Galilee, while the feeding of the 4000 takes place on the east side of the Sea of Galilee. The 5000 is recorded in all the Gospels where the 4000 is only recorded in Matthew and Mark. The 5000 there are 5 loaves, and 2 fish, the 4000 there are seven loaves and a few small fishes. The miracles were performed under very similar circumstances.
The disciples apparently had trouble remembering the first miracle of 5000 being fed. The Bible does tell us they didn’t stop to consider the miracle. We see that as well in this miracle.
I. The Compassion (1-9) #
A. Interest in the physical need (2-3) #
i. Faithfulness of the crowd #
• 3 days, don’t complain if the preacher goes a little over.
ii. Fruitfulness (Provision) for those who are dedicated. #
• Some things are only seen after longevity, of sticking by the Lord.
B. Ignorance of the disciples (4) #
i. Last time they wanted to send the people away (Mark 6:36) #
ii. Witnessed many miracles, they failed to remember. #
iii. Lacked compassion – seeing as God sees. #
C. Inquiry (5) #
• Same question as Mark 6:38
Mark 6:38 He saith unto them, How many loaves have ye? go and see. And when they knew, they say, Five, and two fishes.
• God is patient in dealing with us! • Same lesson, God is long-suffering in dealing with us!
D. Informative details (5-10) #
i. Seven loaves (5) before was 5 loaves. #
ii. Similar distribution (6) #
iii. Small fishes (7) - #
• I’ld rather have seven loaves, some small fishes and the blessing of God, than a boat load of fishes, a bread factory and the wrath of God!
iv. Seven baskets left over (8) #
v. Smaller crowd (9) #
• 4000 men besides woman & children (Matthew clarifies) not a smaller miracle
vi. Ship (10) #
II. The Contest (10-13) #
A. Seeking a sign (11) - tempting him #
i. Jesus many miracles #
• We have read about the deaf being made to hear, the multitudes being fed, the sea being calmed, the demons being cast out of people, and the Pharisees want a sign???
ii. Empty Words “seeking of him a sign from heaven” #
• Some seek to disprove, and destroy credibility of Jesus, God, and the Bible!
• They desired power themselves!
B. Sighed (12) #
i. Sense of frustration #
• The idea that Jesus, God, becomes frustrated with the fool heartedness of man
• Man is constantly trying to overthrow God!
C. Saying (12) #
i. This is classified “this generation” #
• That is a generation who refuses to believe in God!
• A generation who is blinded to the Gospel
ii. No sign for the unbelieving #
• No sign would be sufficient
• He was dying on the cross, and they were still seeking a sign, “Come down off the Cross if you are the Messiah”
D. Signal (13) #
• Those who seek to disprove and tempt the Lord, he is not with them!
• He left!
III. The Caution (14-21) “Take heed” #
• Jesus tries to give us warnings in life!
• They are recorded in the Book, but many people don’t pay attention to the Word of God!
• It is written two and three times, and they still miss it!
A. Warning (15) #
i. Piety – godliness appearances doesn’t equate to godliness “Pharisees” #
• The Pharisees were all about rules, and regulations
• The Pharisees had a religious system, but didn’t have Jesus
ii. Politics “Herod” #
• We have a responsibility to vote, and do what we can in the political realm
• Our hope is not in Washington! – I’m grateful for President Trump, and much of the common sense things that have been done… but my hope is in God!
iii. Pervasiveness of Leaven #
• The false teachings of the Pharisees was prone to spread!
• It appeals to man, and spreads like leaven in bread!
B. Wonder (16) #
i. Ignorance (14, 16) #
• They started off wrong, and still were not getting it!
ii. Scolding (17-21) #
iii. Sufficiency of God #
• God is enough to take care of us! And we so often fail to trust him!